Mike Nolan is an experienced NFL defensive coordinator, holding the job with the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.
(Tony Avelar/Associated Press)

League sources say Bowles' Miami Dolphins counterpart, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, is the No. 1 target, but he's unlikely to go to Dallas because he's under contract and it's a lateral move.

Bowles, the Dolphins' assistant head coach and secondary coach, interviewed Wednesday for the Cowboys' head-coaching job that went to Garrett. Bowles said then that he was focused on that job, not defensive coordinator.

"We'll see what happens there," said Bowles, who once coached in Dallas. "If that doesn't work out, hopefully something else comes up."

What came up were the defensive coordinator duties, which former Wade Phillips did for two seasons while also serving as head coach. Phillips was fired after a 1-7 start this season.